It has to be said that the RHS Tatton show is one of my favourites, perhaps it is linked with the fact that I’m originally from Cheshire or that I perceive people being friendlier or is it because the show feels more laid back and relaxed? I don’t doubt for one minute that the lead up to the show is as frantic as any other of the RHS shows but for me, it I just love it.

I saw so many inspirational gardens here as well as elements within gardens or in the flower marquee, there really are some talented people out there that we really must take our hats off too.

What a day this turned out to be, I’d been looking forward to going since booking the tickets back in February, it was the hottest day of the year so far! People who weren’t able to cope with the searing temperatures were being carried out on stretchers! We had gone prepared...shorts, hats, sun tan lotion and plenty of water – but it just wasn’t enough. I did, as expected, thoroughly enjoy myself but the heat did zap energy and it took away some of the sparkle, the specialness and sheer indulgence of the day.

The show gardens were amazing and never fail to impress, as a designer though I do always look at them with a critical eye and however much I like them I always feel that they are a snapshot in time which of course is the point. It is the ‘snapshot’ that concerns me though - the planting whilst so beautiful, for the most part, can often be unrealistic or not transferable back in to the average garden. One reason is the plant spacings so many plants so closely planted that would in a real garden be a haven for mildews, moulds and no doubt a few pests too. Also some flowering plants will have been forced or delayed so they flower at show time when, in reality they might flower a few months apart, which in itself is an art I agree but perhaps not realistic for the average gardener. I also question some of the hard landscaping materials used - while beautiful in a show garden - I often wonder how practical they would be and whether they would have lasted a year after the garden was built in a normal home environment. I could probably write a whole article on this point but I would like to see show gardens that are as inspirational but completely practical too so that the average person can replicate some of those ideas in their own space more successfully.